Windows XP forum: CPU usage hits 100% while on line

Over the last year I have some substantial slow downs while accessing the web. When the slow down occurs there is 100% CPU usage as listed under the task manager. iexplore.exe always has the highest memory usage when this happens and the computer stops responding. After a few seconds to minutes the CPU usage drops and computer starts working again. We are using XP Pro with all the latest service pack 3. This is happening to 5 computers on the network. They are all set up the same. HPD220 MT with Pentium 4 CPU 2.80GHz and 1 BG of ram. They used to work fine. I have paid several different professionals to help with this. Is it time to replace computers? Other than Internet my network works fine. I am told my Internet speeds, modem or network are not the issue.The slow down happened 2 times while posting this message. I am not that computer literate. Any ideas?

Have you tried Google Chrome or Opera as alternate browsers. You don't have to switch to them but they can be valuable troubleshooters depending on whether they behave the same way as IE or don't exhibit the problem.

As mentioned, not so much interested in memory use, unless its using a ton, like almost a gig or more, or there is only a half gig total installed and some of that is shared with video memory. More important to see what's occupying the CPU. If the CPU is not bogged down then it could be something with any of the web pages you are visiting not interacting well with IE, in which case Chrome or Opera should work and point you toward the problem. You can also go into Internet options>>Advanced and reset all the IE settings.

The same thing happening to all computers on the same network might point to a router or modem problem as well. Some late models have a design flaw when it comes to streaming media that can make them slow and unresponsive after a while. Try cycling the router, if the problem takes a while to develop, could be the router, if the problem is immediate, probably not the router. Also, it would not be the router if other browsers work fine as mentioned earlier.

I agree with Max. I had (have) same problem with "iexplore.exe" taking about 2 GB with freezes/hangs when accessing IE8 with MSN and Hotmail. Usually had to "End Task" to back out.ried everything (have dual core, Proffit) , posted on many forums, got non-helpful responses. Finally got Chrome, imported my email, bookmarks and settings and find the workaround good. Leaving the whole question of what and why? unsolved. Frustrated, but practical -- give up what is killing you!Good luck.

It was a rootkit. It's not helpful to folk yet since there is no easy fix.

We've tried to cure this a few ways and we have an open discussion in the CNET Spyware Forum in hopes someone will come up with a more helpful cure. The cures I know of are too hard for everyday folk or unacceptable to some as the second cure is to reload the OS.

For now I see people using Chrome and other browsers since this one looks to be something that has dug in really deep.

Bob:Just now saw your post. Good reply, thanks. Right now I ignore IE, except "in your face" action by IE. McAfee has incorporated the IE interface (touch screens) into theirs and lost functionality for users who, through choice, do not have the latest (and most bloated) systems installed. The red "x"s part of problem, or side effect. Cause still unknown. (RKILL did not find anything)

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